Experimental Investigation on Injury Mechanisms of Cervical Spine at Frontal and Rear-Front Vehicle Impacts

This paper discusses the results of simulated head-on and rear-front vehicle crashes employing 53 human torsos. Measurements of deceleration of the head were taken, and the resulting injuries were noted. The most common and serious injury was to the cervical spine at the sixth vertebra. It is suggested that vehicle restraint systems be developed to avoid such injury, such as safety belts that would limit anteflexion of the head, airbags for head-on crash protection, and seat backs with integrated headrests to support the head at the c.g.